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Malta has called on United Nations Member States to work together to devise solutions to deal with the problems caused by an "unprecedented increase" recently in irregular immigration to the Mediterranean island country.

Large numbers of illegal immigrants, mainly from Africa, have arrived in Malta over the past few years, the country's Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told the General Assembly's annual high-level debate yesterday.

While he said Malta was aware of its responsibilities, "it is extremely difficult for us to continue to carry such a burden, which is so acutely disproportionate to the size of the country and its population."

Mr. Gonzi said his country has continuously asked for assistance in tackling the problems raised by the surge in migration, including from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and from countries in Europe and elsewhere.

"Malta is grateful to those countries which have come forward to assist us in coping with this phenomenon. Nevertheless, much more needs to be done by us all, including the countries of origin and the countries of transit," he said.